Syrian – Fatayer – theEatLand

Syrian Fatayer is a traditional savory pastry that is widely enjoyed in Syrian and Middle Eastern cuisine. These pastries are typically filled with a variety of ingredients and folded into triangular, square, or sometimes circular shapes. Fatayer can be either baked or fried, and they are commonly served as appetizers, snacks, or part of a mezze spread.

Key Fillings

Spinach: The most common filling, often mixed with onions, pine nuts, lemon juice, and spices.
Cheese: A blend of cheeses like feta, akkawi, or mozzarella, sometimes with herbs.
Meat: Ground beef or lamb, typically mixed with onions, spices, and sometimes pine nuts.
Potato: Some variations feature mashed or diced potatoes with onions, herbs, and spices.

Dough

The dough for Fatayer is soft, yeasted, and slightly elastic, allowing for easy folding and crisping when baked.
The dough is typically rolled out into small circles, filled, and then folded into various shapes such as triangles or triangles with a pinched center.

Preparation

Make the Dough: The dough is prepared by mixing flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil, then kneading until soft and smooth.
Prepare the Filling: Depending on the variation, the filling is prepared by mixing the ingredients, such as spinach, cheese, or meat, with herbs, spices, and sometimes olive oil.
Assemble: A portion of the filling is placed in the center of each dough circle, and the dough is folded over to form a triangular or other shape.
Baking/Frying: Fatayer can be baked until golden and crispy, or in some cases, deep-fried for an extra crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

As a Snack or Appetizer: Served alongside other mezze dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh.
With Yogurt: Often enjoyed with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce for dipping.
For Breakfast or Lunch: Fatayer is a popular choice for breakfast or lunch, particularly in Syria and surrounding countries.

Cultural Significance

Fatayer is a beloved dish in Syrian cuisine and the broader Levantine region, often prepared for family gatherings, festive occasions, and communal meals. It is also common at street food stalls and bakeries.

Variations

The fillings and shapes can vary depending on personal taste and regional traditions.
Some people enjoy sweet versions of Fatayer filled with fruits or nuts, though savory fillings are the most common.

Fatayer reflects the rich and diverse flavors of Syrian food, offering a balance of crispy, savory goodness with various fillings to suit all tastes.